Mandaue City to provide housing for Maharlika fire victims

Around 530 families from Sitio Maharlika in Mandaue City, Cebu, who were displaced by a fire in 2019, will benefit from the city’s socialized housing project which is set to begin construction this 2021.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, together with the city’s Housing and Urban Development Office chief Tony Pet Juanico and city administrator Jamaal James Calipayan, discussed the details of the project last Thursday, January 21. Head architect Marlo Ocleasa was also present in the meeting.

“The proposed housing project will cover a lot area of 8,230 square meters with four (4) mid-rise buildings with provisions for parking, open areas, as well as community facilities,” the Mandaue City Public Information Office said.

The city government hopes to provide at least 530 of the displaced families with safe housing on minimal rent that already includes immediate access to basic health and social services, employment opportunities, and spaces for community activities.

Among the project’s beneficiaries are former residents of Sitio Maharlika who are currently staying at the Cebu International Convention Center. (READ: Families in CICC-Mandaue fear being homeless by 2021)

In 2019, around 1,200 families were displaced by a fire that ravaged the homes surrounding Sitio Basubas, Sitio Maharlika, and Sitio Espina in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City. – Rappler.com